First off, let’s start by defining what a video interview is. Video is the latest tool used by recruiters and employers to screen and interview job seekers in the first, second and third stages of the screening and hiring process.

Whether you’re participating in an in-person or virtual interview your goal is the same — to make a lasting impression that earns you a subsequent interview. Yet virtual interviews present unique challenges, including use of technology, management of setting, and the ability to effectively show enthusiasm and interest, sell your qualifications, and send the right “vibe” in the absence of in-person interaction.

Hopefully these few steps can help put you in the spotlight

Prepare, practice makes perfect

The most important part of any video interview (or any interview in general) is preparation. Research the company and practice answering common interview questions.

Look at the camera, not the screen

Eye contact is critical in an in-person interview, and it adds a nice touch on a video interview as well. Pretend your webcam is the person interviewing you. Keep looking at the webcam as you would be looking at your interviewer.

Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is one of the most basic rules of photographic composition. This framing technique applies equally well to video. Divide the frame into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. The points where those lines intersect are optimal locations for the placement of your main subject.

Rule of Thirds

Appearance

Dress as professional as you would for a face-to-face interview. The typical rule of thumb is to dress nicer than you would daily for the position. In example, if it is a labor position, dress in business casual. If it is for an office position, be on the safe side and dress formal (suit).

Sit up straight

When you’re as relaxed as this it’s easy to forget about your posture and how you’re sat – but this is one of the most important aspects in showing positive body language. Don’t slouch or lean back too far and don’t cross your arms or lean on your desk. Be alert, sit up straight and look ready to answer questions.

Test your hardware

Give your devices a thorough test and if you’re in any way not convinced, consider using someone else’s for the interview.

Test the Internet speed at the location where you are going to be joining the video interview by running a free test at speedtest.net.

Location

It is best to be seated at a nice table with little in the background. A cluttered camera view would be disturbing to the interviewer and take away attention of what is really important, your responses.

What enters the mind of the employer is, If you’re not prepared for an interview, are you going to be prepared for the job?

Use notes

Don’t be afraid to help yourself with post-it notes or a copy of your resume handy when you interview. A benefit of having a Skype interview is that you can have a cheat sheet in front of you so that you don’t have to memorize everything you want to mention.

Tell a story

One good trick is to prompt interviewees to answer some of the questions with stories. A question like “tell me about a time when the team went above and beyond” can generate great responses that you can use to structure the entire video.

Be interested and interesting

Remember that the recruiter or hiring manager is going to be watching a lot of video so you want to stand out and be memorable. Be sure to convey your interest in the position, do your homework and share your knowledge. Wherever possible be unique with your responses – avoid conventions. And don’t be shy to turn up the passion a little bit. You’ve probably heard it before but ‘turn it up for the camera’. Make sure you are expressing yourself well in your facial expressions, gestures and body language. Remember, the camera only sees part of you so you need to ensure your interest is coming across.

Follow up!

A thank-you letter is just as important after a Skype interview as it is in an in-person interview. Avoid following up on Skype, though, unless the interviewer requests it!

And lastly, have fun

This is a moment when you get to speak with authority and be listened to. It’s your interview – own it!

By implementing these 12 small tips, you can enter your job search with confidence, knowing you are prepared for whatever type of interview comes your way.

Do you have any other video interview tips to share with us?Tweet Us @PApriveUK

Myriam Balerio is the founder and writer of PA Privé. After kick starting her career as a PA and finding success as an assistant, Myriam later trained in digital and online marketing and has since combined the two disciplines in creating PA Privé, the platform through which she provides sage advice for those in the assistant profession and a network for like-mined PAs and EAs to connect. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Myriam has lived in London for over 10 years and currently lives in London with her husband and French bulldog.

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